Seven Thai fishermen jailed

SURABAYA: Surabaya district court sentenced seven Thai fishermen on Thursday to four months in jail for illegally fishing in the Java Sea.

The fishermen, identified as Wan Chai, Chieng Aphan, Sombat Tit Chom, Somsak Compo, Narung Panpet, Prayun Pra Pwat and Peechar Sion, were arrested in March near the Masalembo islands.

According to prosecutor M. Akbar Armansyah, the fishermen hoisted Indonesian flags on their boats in an attempt to deceive patroling naval ships.

"The fishermen were found using illegal trawling nets which damage the marine environment," Akbar, who earlier demanded a seven month sentence, said. (nur/jun)